News

Data recently released by the USGS for cement shipments show April tonnage fell by over 3% in comparison to April 2016. In comparison to March 2017 shipments, April dipped by nearly 1%. We have anticipated a contraction based on the nearly daily rainfall events across the state, but April is the first month a decrease has been seen. On a positive note, the 99,508 tons shipped in April is the fifth highest monthly total over the last 39 months.

Translating the cement tonnage to ready mix volume, an estimated 368,479 cubic yards of concrete was placed during the month. During the first four months of 2017, cement shipments and yardage are above 2016 totals by just over 2.5%.

Building Permits Increase in May

Data released by the University of Alabama showed single family building permits issued across the state rose by 19% over April 2017. Comparing May 2017 to May 2016, building permits issued across the state rose by 21%. Tuscaloosa led the state with a nearly 50% jump over April 2017, closely followed by Baldwin County and Birmingham. The housing market index released for May 2017 was a 69 out of 100. The index polls home builders on how they feel about the market. The housing market index has not been in the 60s since 2004.